--- title: "DMXDesktop | Professional DMX512 Lighting Control Software" description: "DMX lighting control software for DJs, bands, venues and installers. Patch fixtures, run effects and sync the rig to live audio on Windows and Mac." canonical: https://www.dmxdesktop.com/ lang: en source: /index --- # Master Your Lights, Unleash Your Creativity Professional DMX lighting control software that brings stunning light shows to your fingertips. [Download Now](/download)[Explore Features](/features) Beat Sync Auto-detects music Pro Control Live or programmed Easy to Use No degree needed Any Hardware USB, Art-Net, sACN Expert Support Real humans, fast Flexible DJs to theatres ## Amazing Lighting. Zero Hassle. Unlimited Possibilities. Welcome to **DMXDesktop**, the ultimate lighting design tool that brings professional-grade lighting shows right to your fingertips. Whether you're an amateur lighting enthusiast or a seasoned professional, DMXDesktop's **simple and powerful interface** lets you create breathtaking lighting designs with incredible ease. With numerous **built-in and ready-to-go movement and lighting effects**, and 1D and 2D [Pixel Mappings](/pixel-mapping) - you can jump straight to the wow without having to put in all the work! [**Now with DMXDesktop's groundbreaking intelligent autonomous lightshow engine: DJ Mode!**](/intelligent-lighting) Forget expensive hardware, you can get started with a [basic USB DMX controller](/knowledgebase/usb-dmx) for as little as $15. You'll save on upfront costs while gaining unmatched control and creativity. Works with **Mac & Windows**! [Discover DJ Mode →](/intelligent-lighting) ![DMXDesktop DJ Mode Interface](/assets/images/optimized/dj-mode-promo-400w.jpeg) NEW: Live Wire ## Music in. Lightshows out. Live Wire listens to whatever's playing - a DJ feed, a live band, streaming, even ambient playback - and drives your entire rig in real time. No DJ software. No analyzed tracks. No programming. - Reacts to live audio instantly - Follows tempo, energy & mood - Senses build-ups and drops - Works with any rig, any music [Discover Live Wire](/live-wire) ![Live Wire - Music in. Lightshows out.](/assets/images/optimized/live-wire-banner-400w.jpeg) ## Who It's For DMXDesktop works for everyone [### DJs & Live Performers Lights that follow the beat - no pre-work, just plug in and play Learn More](/for-djs)[### Theatres & Shows Cue stacks with Go/Back playback, tracking mode, multi-stack control, and palettes Learn More](/for-theatres)[### Bars, Restaurants & Events Set the perfect vibe with ambient looks and auto playback Learn More](/for-venues)[### Installers & Venues Multi-universe support, full hardware compatibility, remote control Learn More](/for-installers) ## What Our Users Say 100% Recommend on Facebook > "Within 10 minutes my fixtures were patched. Within an hour my stage was programmed, cues locked in, MIDI triggers ready. It's so effortless I can play bass and trigger lighting changes at the same time." ![The Inspired](/assets/images/optimized/the-inspired-logo-400w.jpeg)The Inspired Rock Covers Band > "No programming is required with its built-in ready-to-run lighting effects. The MIDI integration is a huge bonus and lets us focus entirely on performing while the lights operate seamlessly." No Matter What Duo Entertainment Duo > "This is hands-down the best lighting application I have ever used. I have been DJing for over 30 years and I never quite got the hang of DMX until DMX Desktop." Tim Dearman DJ, 30+ Years > "DMX Desktop has literally saved days of work. It's a lightweight piece of software which means I can also run OBS Studio on the same machine. An impressively powerful piece of software backed up by an incredibly helpful support team." K-Pop Show DJ & Live Streamer > "I moved over to DMX Desktop from Airstream and I'll never go back. This software is so easy to set up and navigate and just leave alone to do its thing. You just can't ask for anything else better." Beessounddisco.com Mobile Disco > "The software is great, but the support is what really stood out. It's rare to come across someone this helpful, knowledgeable and patient. I'm very glad I bought from DMXDesktop." Funky Booth Event Entertainment [Read all testimonials](/testimonials) ![DJ Mode Intelligent Lighting](/assets/images/optimized/dj-mode-promo2-400w.jpeg) New Feature ## Introducing Intelligent Lighting with DJ Mode! With DJ Mode, you can sync your decks live to your favourite DJ software. ([Click for more details](/intelligent-lighting)) In Autonomous Mode, just drop tracks onto the decks and play - DMXDesktop will build custom, time-coded light shows in the background, tailored to your tracks and setup, without lifting a finger! You can fine-tune the settings to your preference - choose a favourite colour theme, have some light groups strobe while others don't? No problem! DJ Mode offers you the power to do as little or as much as you want to customise your lightshow, whilst still focusing on the music. Let DJ Mode do the heavy lifting for you! [Learn More About DJ Mode](/intelligent-lighting) NEW: 3D Visualizer ## Built-In 3D Visualization See your lighting come to life without leaving DMXDesktop. Place fixtures, build your stage, and watch cues, effects, and fader moves rendered in real time. No extra software. No setup. Included with PRO. - Automatic fixture detection from your patch - Drag-and-drop stage builder - Real-time beam, color & gobo rendering - Configurable haze and environment [Learn more about the 3D Visualizer](/visualizer) ![DMXDesktop 3D Visualizer](/assets/images/optimized/visualizer-hero-400w.jpeg) ## The Music Player Not a DJ, but you want to get the best of both worlds? Well, step on in, because our built-in Music Player gives you a powerful yet simple 2-Deck mixer that will let you play your music direct in-app without the need for ANY additional software whatsoever! We support every audio format you can imagine, and of course our music player is part of DJ Mode, so it fully supports **Autonomous Lighting** out-of-the-box! Load up your music files, create your own playlists - drag 'n' drop your tracks to the player and hit play - we will take care of the lighting for you! With crystal-clear audio, and perfect beat-matching, you just can't do better with such little effort! ![DMXDesktop Music Player](/assets/images/optimized/dj-mode-promo2-400w.jpeg) ![DJ Mode Live Lyrics](/assets/images/optimized/lyrics2-400w.jpeg) ## DJ Mode: Live Lyrics We're taking performance to a whole new level with **DJ Mode: Live Lyrics** - a world-first system that synchronizes **real-time music playback, word-timed lyrics, and fully autonomous lighting control**. Whether you're hosting karaoke, performing live, or mixing tracks, your lyrics, beats, and lights stay perfectly in sync - hands-free and effortlessly smooth. Designed for DJs, singers, and event hosts alike, this new Lyrics System bridges the gap between performance and production. Control every element from your DMX Desktop setup, or let the system take over with beat-aware automation that brings your show to life. [Learn More About Live Lyrics](/djmode-live-lyrics) ## QuickShow – Instant Lighting Control Sometimes you don't have time to build the perfect cue. That's where **QuickShow** comes in. It lets you throw effects on stage instantly - across one fixture group or many - with zero setup. Beam chases, movement, gobos, prisms, zoom, focus… all live at your fingertips. No menus, no pre-programming - just pick fixtures, choose an effect style, and you're running a show in seconds. Perfect for last-minute setups, quick act changes, or keeping energy flowing when inspiration strikes. Designed for touchscreen control, QuickShow responds naturally to taps and swipes. [Learn About QuickShow](/quick-show) ![QuickShow Interface](/assets/images/optimized/quickshow-400w.jpeg) NEW: Mobile App ## Control Your Lights From Anywhere Transform your tablet into a powerful wireless lighting control surface. Access your entire lighting rig from anywhere in the venue. - QuickShow & Live Controls - DJ Mode & Music Player - Lyrics Display & Karaoke - Moving Head Alignment ![iOS App QR Code](/assets/images/optimized/dmxdesktop-ios-qr-400w.jpeg)[![Download on the App Store](/assets/images/native/Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_RGB_blk_092917.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dmxdesktop-remote-app/id6756325016?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) ![Android App QR Code](/assets/images/optimized/dmxdesktop-android-qr-400w.jpeg)[![Get it on Google Play](/assets/images/native/GetItOnGooglePlay_Badge_Web_color_English.svg)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dmxdesktop.androidapp&utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) [Learn more about the mobile app](/mobile-apps) ![DMXDesktop Mobile App on tablet with stage lighting](/assets/images/optimized/mobile-img2-400w.jpeg) ![Channel Groups & Pixel Layouts](/assets/images/optimized/freepik__a-wide-stage-filled-with-led-bars-pixel-strips-and__91157-400w.jpeg) ## Channel Groups & Pixel Layouts Smarter fixture control. Stunning pixel effects. DMXDesktop makes complex setups simple with advanced Channel Groups and Pixel Layouts. Organize channels into logical groups, reuse them across your show, and build pixel-perfect effects without the chaos. Intelligent auto-detection spots patterns like RGB, RGBW, Pan/Tilt, or dimmers instantly, giving you a clean starting point. Create reusable templates for any fixture type and keep every patch consistent. The Pixel Layout system adds creative freedom: map strips into sections, split matrix panels into zones, or separate moving head rings from beams. Run different effects on different groups at once: bars, panels, gigbars, or full rigs - while keeping workflow fast and logical. Key benefits: - Reusable Templates – consistent setups every time. - Stage-Specific Overrides – tweak on the fly without breaking profiles. - Logical Grouping – easier control with structured sections. - Pixel Mapping Integration – stunning effects on any cluster. From compact rigs to massive productions, DMXDesktop delivers powerful, intuitive pixel mapping built for real shows. DMXDesktop also includes a [Bulk Channel Editor](/bulk-channel-editor) tool, for speedy creation of custom profiles with multiple repetitive clusters or channels. [More about Channel Groups](/channel-groups) ![Concert lighting background](/assets/images/optimized/AdobeStock_129742120-400w.jpeg) ### No Programming Required… **Unleash Creativity with Built-In Effects** DMXDesktop revolutionizes your workflow with its powerful built-in effect programs. Say goodbye to time-consuming manual programming of chases or movements. Select from a wide range of preloaded beam and movement effects, right out of the box! With [**Effect Cues**](/knowledgebase/effect-cues) and [Effect Cue Stacks](/effect-cue-stacks), you can combine effects across unlimited fixture groups effortlessly. Run multiple effects in parallel, synchronize them perfectly, and create stunning light shows without building a single function yourself. Whether it's crowd-facing fixtures running one effect or ambient lights and movers displaying something entirely different, set-up takes just seconds. Or take it to the next level with Intelligent, Autonomous Lighting Shows: [Elevate Your Performance with DJ Mode](/intelligent-lighting) Want instant automation with nothing to program first? [**Live Wire**](/live-wire) listens to the live audio in the room and builds the show as it plays, choosing colour, movement and accents itself while you stay hands-on. Included with Standard and Pro. Transform your light shows into immersive experiences. DJ Mode introduces a groundbreaking level of control and synchronization, enabling you to craft dynamic lighting that responds in real-time to your music. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, DJ Mode empowers you to deliver unforgettable performances. Prefer to stay hands-on? DMXDesktop gives you complete flexibility to override or customize any effect at any time, striking the perfect balance between automation and manual control. Creativity has never been this fast or intuitive! [See Key Features](/features) ## Key Features (Yes, there's lots!) ### Simple Yet Powerful Interface DMXDesktop gives you the flexibility to create stunning lighting shows, no matter the scale. Whether you're setting up a small event or a major production, our interface adapts to your precise (or exact) needs. ### No Expensive Hardware Required Forget about heavy investments. DMXDesktop integrates seamlessly with a wide range of affordable [USB DMX](/knowledgebase/usb-dmx) Controllers, [Art-Net](/knowledgebase/artnet), and [sACN](/knowledgebase/sacn). Now also including support for [RDM over Art-Net or Enttec Pro USB DMX](/remote-device-management). ### Unlimited DMX Universes? Why limit your creativity! DMXDesktop Pro lets you design without universe limits, giving you the freedom to build the lighting show of your dreams, no matter how large or complex. ### Real-Time Audio Analysis **Intelligent Automation:** Utilize advanced algorithms to generate captivating lighting patterns that adapt to your music's dynamics, minimizing manual programming. With DJ Mode you can go hands-free and experience DMXDesktop's groundbreaking [intelligent autonomous lightshow engine](/intelligent-lighting) ### Mobile Control The built-in server lets you remotely control key features on the go via the Mobile Control interface. [Learn More About Mobile Control](/mobile-control) ### Massive Fixture Profile Library Access **almost 30,000** pre-configured and optimized fixture profiles designed specifically for DMXDesktop. You'll never have to start from scratch again. ### Cloud Integration Never lose a show again! With **DMXDesktop Cloud**, you can easily back up and restore your projects, settings, and fixture profiles directly in the Cloud. ### Regular Updates & New Features Stay ahead of the game with DMXDesktop's **continuous updates**. We're always improving performance, adding new features, and ensuring your software is up to date with the latest advancements. ### Community-Driven Innovation DMXDesktop thrives on collaboration. Create, share and download fixture profiles from a global community. Our userbase is your best resource for finding inspiration and expanding your show design toolkit. ### [MIDI Control](/knowledgebase/midi-controls) Got a USB MIDI device? You can connect it and within seconds map and control DMXDesktop's key functionalities! ### Speaks your Language Right out of the box, the app is fully available in: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Polish! ### [OS2L](/open-sound-to-light-os2l), [OSC](/open-sound-control) & [Ableton Link](/ableton-link) We are compatible with both [OS2L](/open-sound-to-light-os2l) and [Ableton Link](/ableton-link) right out of the box, so you can directly control the BPM of the software from your preferred DJ Controller or DAW at the click of a button. Or create your own custom interfaces using an [OSC](/open-sound-control) tool like TouchOSC. [Download Now](/download) ![Stage lighting background](/assets/images/optimized/artem-lazarev-iFqQvdoIt8c-unsplash-400w.jpeg) ## Ready to Transform Your Light Show? Join thousands of DJs, bands, and venues who trust DMXDesktop for their lighting needs. [Download Now](/download)[View Pricing](/pricing) Works on Mac & Windows.